OPENING SESSION: Shifting paradigms: Turning non-conventional to non-negotiable

<p><em>What are the global systems of industry, manufacture and education which label bamboo and adobe as &rsquo;non-conventional&rsquo; and concrete and steel as &lsquo;conventional?</em>&nbsp;Are these systems designed for equity and social &amp; environmental justice, or are they perpetuating systems of power which were established in colonial&nbsp;times? Are we encouraging the next generation of decision makers to think about choices of materials and technologies outside of the technical realm, so&nbsp;that they may be a part of the paradigm shift required for transformational change to occur?&nbsp;</p> <p>Search for a definition of non-conventional materials and technologies (NOCMAT), and you are more likely to find &#39;bamboo and adobe&rsquo; than &#39;concrete and&nbsp;steel&rsquo;. But if over 90% of global dwellings fall into the NOCMAT category, then why are these materials still considered non-conventional? As we search for low-carbon alternatives for the built environment, NOCMAT is a most promising solution. Perhaps it is time we shift the paradigm and drop the &#39;non-conventional&#39;&nbsp;label in favour of &#39;non-negotiable&rsquo;; our lives on this planet could depend on it.&nbsp;</p> <p>These are the big issues which were explored by NOCMAT&rsquo;s expert panel during the opening plenary session on 7 June 2022.</p>